Congress approves $10 billion in scientific research funding

The Alzheimer's Association commends Congress for passing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which will provide a much-needed $10 billion increase in funding for National Institutes of Health (NIH) for research — the largest funding increase for NIH in 5 years. For the more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease, this investment is a significant first step in working to bring scientific breakthroughs in Alzheimer's and other major chronic diseases to fruition.

We applaud Congress and the Obama administration for recognizing that this vital infusion of funding into scientific research that works to save lives but also works to shore up the scientific research enterprise. The American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act also includes $1 billion for a Prevention and Wellness Fund at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is our hope that strategies to address chronic disease and expand health brain initiatives will result from this additional funding.

We would especially like to thank Sens. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) and Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) for their leadership in helping to secure this substantial funding increase for NIH. We are optimistic that part of this funding will increase support for research to cure, prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer's disease.

Finally, we would like to thank the thousands of Alzheimer advocates from across the country who reached out to their members of Congress to urge their support of this important legislation.

The Alzheimer's AssociationThe Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit www.alz.org.